Charles Bradt, Gloversville

Transcribed by Joanne Murray and contributed by Lisa Slaski.

CHARLES E. BRADT, member of the firm of Bradt & Shipman, glove manufacturers at De Kalb, was born near Gloversville, Fulton Co., N.Y., Jan. 27, 1852; and when he was about two years of age his parents, Andrew and Amy A. (Sweet) Bradt (see sketch), removed with their family to this county, where he grew up to manhood, working on the farm and attending the city schools. Since setting out in life for himself he has employed himself in the manufacture and sale of gloves, in which business he is doing well. The firm of Bradt & Shipman prosecute an extensive jobbing business, their goods being sold by traveling salesmen in the Northwest.

Andrew Bradt, farmer, De Kalb Township, was born in the town of Ephratah, Fulton Co., N.Y., May 15, 1824, and was the son of Anthony J. and Hannah (Peck) Bradt, both natives of the state of New York. He was reared on the farm and educated at the district school. At the age of 17 years he commenced teaching, in his native township. This profession, alternating with farming during the summer seasons, he followed, with one or two exceptions, in Fulton County, until 1856, when he came to Illinois. Here he purchased 140 acres of land on sections 23 and 24, De Kalb Township, and settled down to agricultural pursuits. During the winter seasons, however, he was engaged in selling gloves and mittens to dealers in the northern portion of this State, purchasing his stock from the manufactories at Gloversville and Johnstown, N.Y. In 1870, in company with his son, he started the glove factory in De Kalb, which is now conducted by his son and Mr. Shipman. He now devotes his time exclusively to his farming interests.

He was married Jan. 31, 1848, to Amy Ann Sweet, who was born in Ephratah, Fulton Co., N. Y., Jan. 20, 1828. They have had nine children, - Jennie S., deceased; Luella; Charles E., deceased; Ada F.; Hiram A.; Abraham L.; Samuel E., deceased; and Laura Luella, deceased.

Mr. Bradt is a Class-leader in the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination all the rest of the family are also members.

Source: Portrait And Biographical Album of DeKalb County, Illinois. Pp. 748 - 749. (C) 1883. Chicago. Chapman Brothers